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If Daniel Alfredsson had his druthers, every NHL season would be 50 games long.

“Not just because I’m older,” said the Senators captain, who turned 40 last month. “It would make for better hockey, a better product overall, I guess.

“For me, selfishly, it’s not a bad thing.”

Coach Paul MacLean will decide if the team’s eldest statesman should even play that many. While Alfredsson says his back is good now, the busy schedule could take its toll on him and other veterans.

“I think the depth of the organization is going to be tested in this (shortened) schedule,” said MacLean. “The fact that we have a number of very good young forwards playing in Binghamton, with the ability to bring them up and down, that’s going to be an important part of that for Alfie and for a lot of players.

“The schedule is going to be a grind and we have to make sure we monitor that. The players have to be cognizant of the fact that sometimes they might have to miss a game so that they can continue to play.

“That’s not to say we’re going to do that, but we’re going to have to be aware of it.”

Alfredsson appreciates and understands the concerns — even though the competitiveness in him wouldn’t permit him to voluntarily sit out a game or two.

“It’s going to be the toughest thing for management or coach,” he said. “How do you pace yourself with players on different levels of conditioning? I’m sure they have a pretty good idea. The strength coach and the conditioning staff are going to play a big role as well. You want to maximize the week (of training camp) you have. You don’t want to run the team down too hard and have a poor start because of that. It’s a fine line but knowing Paul, he will skate us quite hard.”

Alfredsson learned the lockout had ended earlier than most. He was up to bring son Hugo to a 7 a.m. practice Sunday when he received a text message from former teammate Rob Zamuner, who was on the NHLPA negotiating committee.

“I was happy,” said Alfredsson. “It’s good to finally know. It’s even better to know that we are playing. I’m looking forward to getting back with the guys.”

He also knows full well he’ll be again asked countless times if this will be his last go around. Don’t expect a definitive answer until next summer. Much will depend on how he performs. He’ll also once again confer with his wife and family before making a final decision.

“I haven’t thought or said this is going to be the last hurrah for me,” said Alfredsson. “I felt being able to work out throughout the summer and even the fall, I am in better shape than I was 2-3 years ago. I had some back issues. If everything goes well and I feel like I can contribute, we’ll see what happens.

“It was great to help more at home, no question,” he added. “Even though (Bibi) likes me at home, she also likes to watch me play. I know the kids are going to enjoy it. They were really happy when they heard. They are going to be able to swim in our (dressing room rehab) pool again.”

Either way, he’s glad his career isn’t ending with a lockout.

“You would always like to go out on your own terms,” said Alfredsson. “Whatever you do in life, if you have that ability. Sometimes, it’s injuries, Sometimes it’s other reasons. Going out in a lockout wouldn’t have been the best way maybe. If that would have been the case, I would have been fine with it. Now I know we’re going to get back to the ice, it feels pretty good.”